Unemployment Insurance Extension Becomes Law

Late in the 110th Session, the President signed a law to extend unemployment payments for out of work Americans who have exhausted their regular benefits.  I voted for The Unemployment Compensation Extension Act of 2008 (H.R.6867), which passed the House in October by an overwhelming margin, because it will provide an additional seven weeks of unemployment benefits for jobless Americans whose payments have expired. Also, the bill allows for up to 13 more weeks of compensation for those residing in states where unemployment exceeds 6%.

As our country faces its highest unemployment rate in 16 years, this emergency extension in unemployment benefits will provide much needed relief for those searching for work. The effect of this increase in benefits is two-fold. Not only does the bill provide assistance for jobless Americans striving to support their families, but the extra payments will help increase spending and stimulate the economy. Congress has allocated $6 billion for this effort and it is expected that these funds will boost the economy while helping those struggling to make ends meet. 

The need to extend benefits for the unemployed illustrates just how the economic crisis impacts every neighborhood and home in our country. While this is just one measure to help Americans in the tight job market, I will continue to work on behalf of those striving to work and provide a better life for their families.

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